How To Quit Your Day Job & Build An Empire
It's time to take your life into your own hands.Have you got an entrepreneurial spirit but no idea where to start with launching your own business? Don't worry, neither did I.In 2014 I was working a 9-5 job that drained every ounce of my creative energy. I knew something wasn't right when I started getting serious cases of the 'Sunday Blues' for about 3 months straight. About midday on Sunday my partner would notice that I would be snappy, withdrawn and I started complaining about serious, ongoing headaches.I noticed that I would get this sick feeling in my stomach at the thought of having to be up at 5.30am to catch the 6.45am train. I would sit for an hour on the train, half-staring into nothingness, get off in the city, trek for 20 minutes in my uncomfortable work wear, skull my coffee en-route and eventually sign in at my desk job by 9.00am.After 3 months of misery and complaining to everyone around me, I realised that it was my own responsibility to improve the quality of my life. With pure determination to free myself from the rat race, and a deep passion to surround myself with like-minded passionate people, I began plotting my escape.It took me 4 months of long nights building my website, hustling with bosses and contacts, and a lot of harsh advice from relatives and business professionals for me finally leave my job and officially launch StartUp Creative.Fifteen months later I am sitting at the outdoor setting in my brand new home in Casuarina, writing this recap. I realised this morning when I was driving home from the coffee shop that I had done it! Today, I have no alarm to wake up to, no train to catch, no time-frame to drink my coffee in, no reception to sign into, no boss to report to, no team meeting to attend, and most importantly no dreaded tasks to complete.I love the business I have created and I am in love with the lifestyle and freedom it has created for me. At a time in my life where I could have sacrificed my health, wellbeing, happiness and family to climb the corporate ladder, I choose to be brave and create a lifestyle of FREEDOM and JOY.As I sit in the sun with my fiancé by my side, I am reminded of the hard times, hustle and tears that have been a part of the journey, but I am forever grateful to be living in a country that has supported me to take this startup journey.My greatest achievement with StartUp Creative has been working with other passionate, budding entrepreneursto help them take this same journey to success. As hard as it is at times, it can be done! I truly believe that if it is what you desire you can and will make it happen.So let's start now! Here are 3 simple things you can do right now to start building your own empire:
1. Enrol in short courses.
If you're anything like me and get overwhelmed with too much detail, I suggest starting first and foremost with my 'What The Hell Am I Doing?' Online Course. This course is a complete handbook of everything I know and wish I knew about starting a business from scratch.Don't bother searching the internet for a million pieces of information about how to get started, this course will give you step-by-step guidance on how to put the basics in place.Everything from naming your business, getting a logo, pricing, marketing, social media, insurances, legal structures, pitching to customer and collaborating with other brands. You also get access to our private Facebook Community of 150+ like-minded entrepreneurs.
2. Start reading books!
Lots and lots of books. My personal goal is a book a month. I read anything from biographies of successful people, to 'how-to' business books. Here are a few of my favourites to get you through to the end of the year:Any book by Richard BransonHow to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale CarnegieThink and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill4-Hour Work Week, Tim FerrissThe E-Myth Revisited, Michael E. GerberLean In, Sheryl SandbergPurple Cow, Seth GodinThe Richest Man in Babylon, George C. Clason
3. Find yourself a mentor, or someone who 'gets it'.
One of the hardest things about being an entrepreneur is that not everyone gets it. You will come across the haters and pessimists who will tell you it can't be done and to be 'realistic.' The best way to prepare for them is to have a team of people in your corner who can remind you that 'you got this'. They will be the ones who pick you up on days when you think WTF and when you go to bed filled with an overwhelming feeling of self doubt. Whether it be a business coach, bestie, mentor or fellow entrepreneur, make sure they've got your back. Remember you are the average of the 5 people you spend most time with, so be careful who you choose.At the end of the day, it all comes down to you. Are you happy with the life you are living? Come midday on Sunday are you filled with anxiety and stress, or are you overjoyed at the thought of building your own empire?A year from today, you will wish you had started today. I encourage you to take action, sort out 'What The Hell You Are Doing' and get cracking on living the life of your dreams.Words by Kaylene Langford